How Does Play Aid Child Development

Play is hugely important for the development of our children because it promotes their cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being.  In fact, it’s one of the biggest ways they learn and develop. What’s more, playtime is a great opportunity for parents to bond and engage with their little ones. I have teamed up with a nursery and prep school in Somerset to explore the benefits of play time in more detail.

When our children are young, it’s important that learning is fun for them. It should involve experimentation and exploration. Each child is unique; they grow and develop in their own way and at their own speed. With that in mind, you should never compare your own child to another but instead, help them explore different types of play.

Physical play, like ball games or dance, helps them develop their strength, coordination, and flexibility. Alternatively, doing a jigsaw or playing with building blocks will help your child identify shapes and develop logic. Dressing up or playing with dolls allows children to develop their imagination as they create and explore new worlds.

Generally speaking, play allows children to learn useful skills that they can carry with them throughout all aspects of their lives, including independence, curiosity, resilience, confidence and so on. As a parent, it’s your job to encourage your child to play and explore different environments, both inside and outside.